15 ESSENTIAL Tips for First-Time Travellers to Türkiye in 2025!

15 ESSENTIAL Tips for First-Time Travellers to Türkiye in 2025!

[Music] Planning your first trip to 
Turkey? There are a few important things you should know before you go. From visas 
and transportation to the best places to stay, I’ve got you covered. So, if you’re 
ready, let’s dive into it. [Music] Before traveling to Turkey, check if you need a 
visa. Many nationalities can get an e-Visa online, while others may require a visa on arrival 
or in advance through a Turkish Embassy or consulate. And remember, there 
is only one official website to check visa requirements and apply for an 
online visa. Avoid non-official websites; there are third-party services that charge double 
or even triple the price, and many are even scams. Comfortable shoes and clothing: Istanbul involves a lot of walking, 
and many areas are also quite hilly. Scarf for women: This is required for 
entering mosques, and women should also wear modest clothing like covering shoulders 
and knees when visiting religious sites. Power adapter: Turkey uses Type C plugs, and this is recommended if your 
country has a different plug type. Power bank: To keep your phone charged 
for navigation and taking photos. Sunscreen and sunglasses: These are essential 
items, especially during the summer months. The hottest months in Istanbul are between July 
and August, and the temperatures can exceed 35°C with very high humidity. The coldest 
months are between January and February, with temperatures around 5 to 10°C and sometimes 
dropping to freezing with occasional snow. The most crowded season is between April to 
October, especially during spring which is between April and May, and autumn which is 
September and October when the weather is mild. When it comes to the summer season between 
June and August, it is also a very busy season, but the heat can be uncomfortable, 
making it exhausting to walk around. Istanbul has two airports. Istanbul Airport 
is on the European side, 45 km from the city center. There are several transportation 
options to reach the city. Havaist airport buses are the most budget-friendly option. I’ll 
display the current fares for each route on the screen. If you purchase a roundtrip ticket, 
you can get a 40% discount. Keep in mind that there is no direct metro line to the city 
center; you’ll need to transfer several times which can be inconvenient especially with 
heavy luggage. Additionally, the metro station is not directly connected to the terminal, 
and there is a 10-minute walk between them. Taxis and Uber are moderate-cost options for 
transportation. Private transfers are the most convenient choice, especially if 
you’re traveling with family or friends. The other airport is Sabiha Gökçen 
Airport, located on the Asian side. The options to reach the city center include:
Havabus shuttle: Direct shuttles to Taksim and Kadıköy are available outside the terminal.
Taxis: A convenient but often the most expensive option.
Private transfers: A hassle-free option especially for families or groups.
Metro: This airport has a metro line that connects directly to the terminal. However, 
if you’re heading to Sultanahmet or other areas on the European side, you’ll 
need to transfer multiple times. Depending on your budget and comfort level, you can choose between public transport, airport 
shuttle buses, taxis, or private transfers. Stay connected with an eSIM for hassle-free 
internet use. Nomad eSIM is affordable, works in over 200 countries, and offers regional 
plans. Just download their app, pick a plan, and activate it for instant internet upon arrival. 
Just make sure your phone is unlocked and supports eSIMs. A promo code for $5 off your first purchase 
over $10 will help you explore stress-free. If your phone doesn’t support eSIMs, your 
only option is to purchase a SIM card from a local provider. For these, I recommend 
Turkcell, Türk Telekom, and Vodafone. You can find them at airports, shopping malls, tourist 
areas, and practically everywhere in the city. Museums do not require online booking and 
do not offer official online ticket sales, except for a very few of them, and 
obviously, they have one official website. You can buy tickets at the entrance 
or through third-party websites, but keep in mind that online platforms often charge much 
higher prices, and some may even be scams. I recommend purchasing tickets directly 
at the ticket offices on the day of your visit. If you want to save time and avoid 
long queues, booking a private tour is a great option as guides are often allowed to 
skip the line at many attractions. If you’re interested in this option, you can book 
a tour with us through remindertour.com. The Istanbulkart is a must-have for public 
transportation. It works on buses, trams, metros, ferries, and funiculars. You 
can buy and reload it at any yellow machine located near metro or tram 
stations for easy access to the city. Bonus tip: You can also use it for many public 
toilets, including those around Sultanahmet. Best areas to stay for first-time visitors: 
Staying closer to major attractions is ideal, and the recommended areas are:
Sultanahmet for historical sites like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
Beyoğlu, for example, around Taksim Istiklal Street, Galata Tower, 
or even Karaköy. These places are more modern with vibrant nightlife, 
but be careful, as it can be a bit hilly. Kadıköy on the Asian side: This is a great 
place for a local experience and active nights. If you need to store luggage for a few hours 
or even for a day, you can do it as follows: Most hotels offer free luggage 
storage before check-in or after checkout. Always ask at reception.
Istanbul Airport luggage storage is available on the arrivals floor with hourly and daily rates.
Sirkeci Train Station also offers convenient luggage storage in the city center, great 
for exploring Istanbul without carrying bags. Download Google Maps; it’s essential for 
navigation, especially for public transport, offline maps, and reading restaurant reviews. Turkish cuisine is rightly known for its 
delicious kebabs, but it also offers a rich variety of plant-based dishes commonly referred to 
as “zeytinyağlı” or olive oil dishes by locals. I highly recommend giving them a try, and some 
of my favorite zeytinyağlı dishes include stuffed peppers, stuffed grape leaves, artichokes, 
fresh broad beans, pinto beans, and green beans. All meat in Turkey is halal, making it a great 
destination for all Muslim travelers. Pork is difficult to find as a predominantly Muslim 
country, and most restaurants do not serve pork, though it can be found in a few specialty 
shops or some international restaurants. Avoid eating at overpriced tourist 
restaurants in places like Sultanahmet and Istiklal Street as they often charge much 
higher prices. Check online reviews on Google or even TripAdvisor before choosing 
a restaurant to avoid tourist traps. Credit cards are widely accepted, 
especially Visa and MasterCard, but for some purchases and markets, cash 
is more useful. American Express cards are not widely accepted here yet, so be sure to 
have a backup card from Visa or MasterCard. If you want to have cash with you, 
the best options are ATMs and exchange offices located inside the Grand Bazaar. 
Avoid exchange offices at the airports, along the tram line in Sultanahmet, and Istiklal 
Street, as they offer the worst exchange rates. Pro tip: Always carry a physical 
card, not just phone payments, as many establishments do 
not accept phone payments. Now you’re ready to explore Turkey like a pro! 
If you found these tips helpful, don’t forget to like this video and subscribe for more Turkey 
travel guides. See you in the next video, bye-bye.

15 ESSENTIAL Tips for First-Time Travellers to Türkiye in 2025!
Don’t miss these Turkey travel tips to make your adventure smooth and unforgettable! This Türkiye travel guide has everything you need.

📍 Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Istanbul, visiting ancient ruins, or indulging in Turkish cuisine, these things to know before traveling to Turkey will help you avoid common mistakes and enjoy your trip like a pro!

🎥 Watch now for the ultimate Istanbul guide and top things to do in Turkey in 2025! 🚀

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Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro
00:15- Entry Requirements
00:47- Items to pack
01:27- Weather and best time to visit
02:07- Airports
03:36- Internet access
04:17- Visiting museums
04:59 – Istanbulkart
05:25 – Best areas to stay
05:56 – Luggage Storage
06:24 – Google maps
06:33 – Food & Restaurants
07:29 – Credit card & Cash
08:14 – Traveling between cities
09:00 – Taxis
09:48 – Outro